North Dakotans appalled by spill, call for hydraulic fracturing fluid disclosure
North Dakotans appalled by spill, call for hydraulic fracturing fluid disclosure
Members of Dakota Resource Council are pointing to the second major reported spill in recent weeks as a reason why the contents of hydraulic fracturing fluid need to be disclosed.
The spill sits on the banks of Lake Sakawea, and at least 25,000 gallons threaten to contaminate the lake and local aquifer.
Three days after the leak occurred, the spill has not been contained. The liquid is comprised of crude oil, volatile gas, andprimarily hydraulic fracturing effluent, also known as ‘fracking fluid.’ The contents of such fluid are exempt from public disclosure.
“I’m astounded and extremely concerned,” said Jim Stenslie of New Town. “I understand that fracking fluid is toxic. It sounds like [containment crews] can’t even get to the problem to examine it. I think the Industrial Commission is being vague and choosing its words carefully because they’re still in the dark about the negative impacts of this spill.”
